Restoration Time

Time to Recharge -

 

Most of us are already pining for the days of the long holiday break to sleep late, gorge ourselves on sweet treats and cheese ball, spend hours in front of the television watching reruns of King of Queens or perhaps head to the movies.  No doubt, we are in need of rest and relaxation and enjoying time with our families.

  It is important to clear your mind of algebraic equations, sociological theory, or the Georgia constitution, and fill your head with dancing sugar plums for a while!

I want to suggest that during the many days away from school and the computer that you keep yourself motivated so that you can return in January with tenacity and a fresh perspective. 

Here are a few tips while recharging over the break.

Keep reading.   Finding things you love to read over the break will keep your mind stimulated and your vocabulary sharp. (Please don’t rely on Facebook for ALL of you intellectual perusing J ).  

Maintain “to-do” lists.  Staying on some kind of schedule and accomplishing tasks is important for a healthy outlook and keeps you from staying up all night and sleeping all day.   Jot down a few things to accomplish daily. Examples might include: cleaning out a closet, writing a letter, volunteering at a local agency for a couple hours, washing your van, etc…

Stay active. There is something to be said for getting 30 min of exercise a day.  This can be a simple walk around your neighborhood, heading to the mall (without a pit stop at the food court), or light housework.  Exercise keeps your heart healthy and your mind rejuvenated.  It sure doesn’t hurt to help prevent those notorious holiday pounds either! 

Eat one healthy item (at least) a day. If you love to eat, like I do, it is too tough to steer clear of the holiday sugar cookies, Aunt Betty’s meatballs, or the homemade bacon wrapped scallops.  So try to balance out the gorging by keeping some healthy items on hand.  Have a bag of apples or fresh cut veggies in the fridge.  Sip on water all day- every day.  It will help keep you feeling fuller and also does wonders for your skin!

Keep school in mind.  Classes will resume before you know it. Be sure you get your supplies (books/ notebooks) before classes start. If you are an “online” student review your email periodically.  Be aware of the new “log in” procedures for eCore/eMajor and get yourself acclimated in class the first available date.

So, go ahead!  Enjoy the extended winter break!  May it be a time of restoration and peace.  If you follow a few of these outlined items it might just allow for you to have an easier transition into the spring semester.

by: Karen Lingrell, Collaborative Programs Assistant Director

Reference: http://personalexcellence.co/blog/healthy-living/

Meet eMajor Student and Newlywed Brandi Carpenter

1. What is your occupation? Medical Billing Specialist

2. What is your college major? Office Administration and Technology

3. How did you come about choosing this major? I work full time, and it was becoming very hard to make sure my school schedule fit with my work hours. I needed to be able to take classes online. I talked with a few people who recommended the degree program and I changed my major. It has been very helpful with my work schedule.

4. What career path do you want to take upon graduation? I really enjoy medical billing. I've changed jobs a few times in the past year, but I went right back to my old employer with the same position. I enjoy my job, and would like to further progress in the position and possibly earn the title "billing manager".

5. Why eMajor? The online courses are perfect with my work schedule. My job requires that I be available for our patients during the hours we are open. If they have billing inquiries, I need to be there to help them. Also, my job is non-stop, so there is always more to do. I was getting behind at work having to physically go to class.

6. Who is the biggest inspiration for your education? My mom. She managed to get her GED after having to drop out because my sister was born, and after I was born she managed to still go back and get her Bachelors Degree in Human Resources Management. I respect that she did not allow anything to hold her back from pursuing her dreams.

7. What is something cool you've learned this semester in eMajor? I'm in a class right now that teaches Quickbooks. I am not at all familiar with this program, but I realize I was missing out. Quickbooks is a amazing program that teaches you not only the accounting that I learned in beginning accounting classes, but also teaches me the things I did not get to learn. Payroll was the biggest thing. I have always been curious, but now I know.

8. What three words would you use to describe one of your online instructors? Organized, Responsive, Understanding

9. Where is your favorite place to visit in the USA? Helen, GA - It is so beautiful!

10. What kind of mood are you in right now, and why? I'm a little frustrated, I have an online assignment that is labeled as a "group" project, but my partner is no where to be found. I don't understand doing a group project in an online setting.

11. Your favorite study spot? The library at the VSU campus. They have an internet cafe with a small coffee place in case you need a boost of energy.

12. What is something your online classmates don't know about you? I'm originally from Kennesaw, GA. I'd never lived anywhere else until I moved to Valdosta for college.

13. Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?

I got married this semster, on October 6, my instructors were so supportive and understanding of this major life event.
(And, the poor planning on my part-which was having it during a school semester!) They worked with me and gave me all the tools I needed to succeed in class, while still abiding by their guidelines and due dates.